Can Neutrophil-To-Lymphocyte Ratio or Platelet-To Lymphocyte Ratio Predict Chemotherapy Response inTesticular Cancer?

Abstract

Objectives: The relationships of NLR (neutrophil lymphocyte ratio) and PLR (platelet lymphocyte ratio) with treatmentresponse and prognosis of many types of cancer have been previously investigated. However, there is no study in theliterature about the relationship of NLR and PLR with treatment response in testicular germ cell tumors (GCTs). Weaimed to investigate the relationship between pre-treatment NLR and PLR values with treatment response and prog nosis in patients with testicular GCT. Methods: The data of 40 patients with testicular cancer (TCa) who were followed at our center between 2017-2020and received 3-4 cycles of BEP protocol were retrospectively screened and included who met the criteria for inclusionin the study. Results: Complete response (CR) to chemotherapy was obtained in 57.5% of the patients, and partial response (PR)was obtained in 35% of the patients. In comparison to the CR group, the mean NLR values were significantly higher inthe non-CR group (p=0.02). Mean PLR values were also significantly higher in the non-CR group (p=0.026). Statisticallysignificant positive correlations were found between tumor stage and NLR & PLR values (r=0.505, p=0.001 for NLR;r=0.397, p=0.011 for PLR). A statistically significant positive correlation was found between tumor stage and neutrophillevel (r=0.365, p=0.020), while a statistically significant negative correlation was found between tumor stage and lym phocyte level (r=-0.314, p=0.048). Conclusion: In the present study we found a correlation between high NLR and PLR values and low CR rates. This rela tionship can be supported by further studies.